DCA seizes illegal narcotic drug making unit in IDA Bollarum, material worth Rs. 9 cr

HYDERABAD: Telangana Drugs Control Administration, in collaboration with the Prohibition and Excise Department, recently dismantled an illegal drug manufacturing operation in IDA Bollaram, Sangareddy district. They seized 90.48 kgs of 3-MMC worth Rs. 8.99 Crores during the raid at PSN Medicare Private Ltd.

Following an interpol alert on illicit drug manufacturing and export to Europe, Telangana Drugs Control Administration and the prohibition and excise department conducted a joint operation on March 21-22, 2024. They raided PSN Medicare Private Ltd. in Sangareddy District, Telangana and discovered the production of illicit drugs, including 90.48 kgs of 'YLV01' powder.

Investigations revealed that the material manufactured under the code name ‘YLV01’ is chemically 3-Methylmethcathinone, listed as a ‘psychotropic substance’ under the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act), making its manufacturing and sale illegal.

Kasthur Reddy Nemallapudi, the director of PSN Medicare Private Ltd., has been manufacturing and supplying 3-Methylmethcathinone under the guise of 2-(methylamino)-1-(3-methylphenyl)propan-1-one. He has also been exporting this illicit drug to European nations.

Additionally, Kasthur Reddy Nemallapudi has been involved in manufacturing other designer drugs such as 2-Methylmethcathinone, with the intention to mimic the effects of Mephedrone while avoiding classification as illegal.

3-MMC is a potent stimulant recreational drug often sold online as a “research chemical”. It is typically found in the form of white powder or crystals and is administered through various routes such as snorting, oral ingestion, inhalation, and intravenous injection.

The prohibition and excise department arrested Kasthur Reddy Nemallapudi, along with the production manager and quality control incharge, for illicit drug manufacturing. A case has been registered at Patancheru Excise Station Under Section 8(c) r/w 22(c) of NDPS Act

Illicit drug abuse poses significant health risks, leading to addiction, overdose, and various physical and mental health complications, ultimately diminishing overall well-being and quality of life.